Page 70 of The Wolf's Mate

I tear my eyes away from her and go to my cousin. Tallie doesn’t stir. Her body is far too still.

I lean down, reaching out my hand to rest on her back. For a moment, I feel nothing. No intake of breath. No beating of her heart.

For a moment, I think Tallie is dead.

For a moment, I’m broken.

Then I feel the slightest rise of her chest, and the tension in my body leaves immediately. “Tallie.” My voice cracks, seeing my strong, capable cousin reduced to this. Blood coats her fur, and I brush my hand through it.

That’s when I feel the bite. Not something I would normally be too concerned about, but the last time rogues attacked and bit my pack, they instantly fell ill with the cursed sickness.

No. Not Tallie. Never Tallie. I’m supposed to protect my family, but I’ve never felt so helpless.

“Is she okay?” I hear a small voice behind me.

I spare Hettie a glance. She’s picked herself up off the ground. She’s holding her bloody ax at her side and looking at me with a mixture of concern and dread.

“No,” I snap. “She’s not, thanks to your actions.”

Hettie flinches, and I almost feel bad. Almost feel the need to apologize, but I can’t find it in me. I’m too mad. My cousin is hurt because of Hettie. She promised me just the other night that she would not go into the woods without me. If she would have just fucking listened, none of this would have happened.

I’m gentle as I pick Tallie up. She hasn’t shifted back, but I know it’s only a matter of time before she loses the connection with her wolf.

“Grab Grass and follow me. Don’t fucking wander.”

Again, she flinches, and again I feel like an asshole, just not enough of one to change my tone or apologize. From the corner of my eye, I see Hettie nudge Grass. The dog is a little shaky on his feet, but otherwise looks unharmed. He stays by Hettie’s side, whimpering.

I carry Tallie close to my chest, listening to the soft footfalls of Hettie and Grass behind me. I’m on full alert, making sure no one else will appear from the darkness.

“Rip, I’m…” Hettie starts, but I glare. Her words die on her tongue.

I’m not ready to talk to her. I’m not ready to hear her excuses.

“I need you quiet unless you want to get attacked again,” I say, not kindly.

She sniffles but nods.

So we walk in silence all the way back to the infirmary as the future I once saw with Hettie starts to crumble.

Chapter 32

Rip

Aunt Imelda brings Tallie’s hand up to her lips, pressing a soft kiss to it. Somewhere between the woods and the infirmary, my cousin lost her hold on her wolf and shifted back to her human body. It happened so quickly.

As soon as I placed her in the last available bed in the infirmary, I went to find my aunt. Her face of abject horror when I told her about Tallie will stay with me for the rest of my life.

She places another thick blanket on top of Tallie, the color stark against Tallie’s too pale skin, before scooting her chair closer to her bedside. It’s late, and my aunt should sleep, but I don’t dare suggest she leave her daughter. Even if I insist, Imelda won’t leave. I know my stubborn aunt too well.

“Can I get you anything?” I feel so fucking helpless, watching my cousin just lie there unconscious. I need to do something, not just sit around here while Tallie gets progressively worse.

Imelda shakes her head, like I suspected she would. “I’m fine. Let the healers know to check in on her when they are able.”

It’s a kind dismissal, but a dismissal nonetheless. I lean down and kiss her temple before showing myself out. I pass rooms of families all gathered around their loved ones. Their attention is on me as I pass. I see nothing but pain and sadness in their expressions, and it only serves to drive the knife deeper into my chest.

The cursed sickness. The rogues. Michael. The Nephilim are all tests of my ability as King Alpha. So far, I have failed my pack around every corner.

I round the hallway that opens to a waiting room. Grass and Hettie are curled up on a small couch, huddled close together. Hettie’s red-rimmed eyes stare off at nothing. Grass lifts his head when he notices me.